Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, or SLS, is a very powerful detergent that cuts grease and makes foam in soaps, body washes and shampoos. Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Coco Sulfate, and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate are all variations of SLS and are all inexpensive. Known as the Sulfates, they have recently come under the spotlight in the media; less for the harm they cause to overall health, and more for their effects on popular chemical treatments such as Keratin or Brazilian blowouts. As a powerful degreaser, SLS strips the hair of these treatments leaving the effects of the treatment rapidly diminished.

Surely if Sulfates are stripping away these treatments then they are stripping away the natural oils in your hair?

This is certainly the case. Stripping the skin and hair of natural oils, raising the pH and disrupting the natural microbes, all create stressed skin and hair, which struggles to normalise. The skin has a natural barrier, which protects it from every day stressors, so constantly stripping this barrier with strong surfactants disrupts the skin’s normal function. Stripping the hair and skin of natural oils and then adding chemicals to reverse these effects seems counterintuitive to brands like Africa Organics, who use the most gentle surfactants and add natural ingredients to treat specific concerns.

Better alternatives

Africa Organics uses the mildest combination of surfactants (foaming agents) in its Hair and Body Care line. The combination of Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (derived from Coconut Oil) and Decyl Glucoside (derived from Corn sugar) in their products, delivers luxurious foam while minimizing irritability to skin. This surfactant system is far milder than SLS (less than half the irritancy) and its biodegradability is really impressive. So it’s far better for you and for the environment and our watercourses. In addition, reaction rates to Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate and Decyl Glucoside are 75% less than SLS. In other words, this combination is super gentle on hair and skin. Considering Sulfates have been proven to cause serious skin and scalp irritation and worsen chronic skin hypersensitivity and eczema, Africa Organics felt this radical move away from what everyone else is using, was very important in their 100% Natural product offering.

What can you expect from switching to Africa Organics sulfate-free range?

First and foremost, the range doesn’t come with the normal Sulfate-free price tag. Sulfate free products are notorious for being much more expensive but Africa Organics has stayed true to its founding principle of offering an affordable certified organic line.

Africa Organics is 100% natural and is certified organic by Ecocert France. Ecocert ensure that the products are free of chemicals that have been highlighted as potential health risks. They also trace the ingredients back to the farmer and audit the production facility twice a year. For the consumer this means that they get a safe product that holds true to the environmental principles of the organic movement.

]]>A recent study found that the average woman directly applies more than 200 chemicals to her skin via personal care products every day.

We’re human – we have adapted to and can process the chemicals found naturally on the surface of our planet. But the same cannot be said for synthetic chemicals, or those found below the earth’s surface. An overload of chemical exposure causes “body burden” over time, leaving our systems incapable of functioning the way that they should.

We don’t see the need for any chemicals in our products. Which makes us really proud of our 100% natural declaration on all our products – and for peace of mind that we’re the real deal – we are certified by Ecocert.

]]>https://africaorganics.co.za/100-natural-no-chemicals/feed/0Natural alternatives to Silicones and Quatshttps://africaorganics.co.za/natural-alternatives-to-silicones-and-quats/
https://africaorganics.co.za/natural-alternatives-to-silicones-and-quats/#respondThu, 05 Jul 2018 23:53:16 +0000https://africaorganics.co.za/?p=223The majority of hair care products on the market contain two groups of conditioning and smoothing agents known as silicones and quats.

]]>The majority of hair care products on the market contain two groups of conditioning and smoothing agents known as silicones and quats. In fact you would have a hard time finding a product on our supermarket shelves that doesn’t contain “dimethicone” (silicone) on the ingredient list. Quaterniums, or Quats are sometimes used as alternatives to, or in conjunction with, silicones but are no safer or more sustainable.

What are they? Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer, that provides smoothness, particularly in conditioners and detanglers. It helps smooth hair and provide better comb-through. Because dimethicone leaves a covering on the hair strands, it can also make hair appear shinier. Quats are chemicals that contain a quaternary ammonium compound and are also used as conditioning agents, giving skin and hair a slippery, smooth feel.

The Concerns Dimethicone (and it’s related silicones) coat the hair. This is often punted as a benefit, but it’s not. Essentially you are applying a thin, rubber-like cover over your hair all day. This means your hair is missing out on truly moisturizing ingredients like natural oils and extracts. Prolonged use creates a build-up of the product making hair dull and lifeless and this creates cycle of dependency on the product. Just like petroleum jelly, dimethicone can actually end up drying out the hair the more you use it because the hair shaft becomes coated by the silicone (for that sleek shiny finish) but the real nutrients and conditioners are prevented from penetrating the hair shaft. There is also an environmental concern as it is non-biodegradable, which means that it can pollute our environment during both the manufacturing process and after it’s used.

Quats have been called the “asthmagens,” which means they can trigger asthma attacks and cause new cases in those who are asthma-free. With more and more children every day affected by asthma, it makes sense to help reduce exposure to this group of chemicals. Quats have also been linked to endocrine disruption, skin irriation and reproductive toxicity. They also pose environmental concerns as they are toxic to aquatic life when entering the water system.

Natural Alternatives? We believe in using a gentle surfactant, which may not foam as much, but doesn’t strip the hair as much. We then supplement the hair with natural plant oils and exracts such as Marula or Mongongo oil. These oils nourish the hair, protecting it from sun and colour leaching. They strengthen the hair and control frizz as well.

Of course the reason Silicones and Quats are popular in such a wide range of products is because they deliver instant feel and immediate conditioning results. Healthy hair, however, is not immediate. It’s a process of removing chemical build up and nourishing the hair with natural oils, vitamins and extracts. Depending on the condition of the hair at the start this may take anything from two weeks to a month. What is apparent though is that once you have completed the “hair detox” period, your hair will be much healthier, stronger and full of life.